Category Archives: Homeowners

Homeowners

How to secure your smart home devices

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smart house device illustration with app icons

Smart home devices are quickly becoming the norm, with IT research firm Gartner predicting consumers will have 5.2 billion internet-connected products in 2017 – an average of four devices per household.

“The connected home is coming to fruition and it’s coming now,” says Yonomi co-founder and CEO Kent Dickson.

We’re using smart devices to control the lighting, temperature and ambiance of our homes, to lock our doors and watch for intruders, to feed and play with our pets. There seems to be a smart device for every conceivable home need, but how secure are these devices?

“The biggest issue with smart devices in the home is that many can be accessed directly from the internet,” says Bruce Snell, Cybersecurity and Privacy Director at Intel Security, adding, “Securing the smart home requires that you think a little more about security than you may have in the past.”

What can you do to secure your smart home tech?

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Homeowners

How long will your home and everything in it last? (Infographic)

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anatomy of a house

A well-constructed home can last for hundreds of years. But maintenance, climate and home innovation can all impact how long the components of that home stay useful. However, eventually things wear out, so with help from the National Association of Home Builders we’re going room-by-room to tell you how much time you have before you’ll have to replace different parts of your home.

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Homeowners

How to avoid winter home maintenance issues

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icicles on roof gutter

Cold weather can wreak havoc on your home. According to the ​Insurance Information Institute​, losses from winter weather average around $1.2 billion a year in the U.S. The best way to avoid problems caused by winter weather and precipitation is to prevent them before they happen. Here are five common problems that occur and some tips on how to prevent them: Continue reading →

Homeowners

How to maintain your appliances without voiding your home warranty (Infographic)

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claim form

For many home buyers, purchasing a basic home warranty for around $350-500 annually is a cost they are willing to incur in order to protect themselves from expensive repairs or appliance replacements. First-time home buyers in particular should not overlook the advantages of investing in a basic or upgraded home warranty, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.  

Whether you are considering your home warranty options now or are already covered, you can take simple steps to fend off appliance breakdown.  While “DIY” major repair attempts can actually void your warranty, keeping up a regular maintenance schedule will extend the life of your appliances and improve performance.

Check out these recommendations from the experts at Reviews.com:

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Homeowners

Remodeling 101: Understanding the Kitchen Work Triangle

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kitchen

When you’re about to embark on a kitchen remodel, it helps to understand the inner workings of the space, particularly “the kitchen work triangle.” The kitchen triangle is the space between the sink, the range and the refrigerator. By knowing the tips and tricks designers use to enhance the functionality of the kitchen triangle, you can create your ideal kitchen without limiting its visual allure or practicality.

Here are five key concepts to consider when planning your space and keeping the kitchen work triangle top of mind.

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Homeowners

10 Common deck defects and how to solve them

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Wooden deck
Picture courtesy of Shutterstock

Summer is upon us and the outdoor living season is in full bloom. In neighborhoods all across the country, people are using their backyard decks for grilling, sunbathing and entertaining, day and night.

However, it’s important to make sure your deck is safe and structurally sound before using it. Start by conducting an annual visual inspection of the entire deck. You don’t have to be a professional builder or home inspector to spot trouble; you just have to know where to look. Listed below are 10 common defects that can cause a deck to fail.

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